Trip Overview
What began as a work trip across Europe (see my previous post) ended with a much needed vacation, and a chance to experience Finnish life not just through sightseeing, but through sweat, cold plunges, quiet woods, and warm people. This trip unfolded in three chapters: city time in Helsinki, a rustic island retreat, and a final stretch at an island on the Baltic sea. There were no grand bucket list items—just slow, intentional moments that reminded us how good simplicity can feel.
Most Memorable Moments
Sauna + Baltic Sea Plunge at Löyly
We booked an evening reservation at Löyly, a sleek seaside sauna and restaurant. After burgers, fries, and mojitos, we rotated through three sauna rooms and sprinted down icy stairs into the Baltic Sea. The gasp-inducing cold was unforgettable—and deeply invigorating.
Sushi Buffets (Yes, Really)
Thanks to an internet tip, we discovered that Finland is full of sushi buffets! Unlimited rolls, seaweed salad, and other tasty treats about $17/person. We ended up going twice. No regrets.
Magical Island Time
We spend a few days on a remote lake island at a rustic summer cottage. An artful sawdust outhouse and a lake water powered shower gives you a sense of the vibe. Days revolved around fishing, swimming, and alternating between a smoke sauna and a lakeside wood-fired sauna. It felt like being inside a fairy tale—ferns, moss, birdsong, and all.
Finnish Baseball in Tampere
We didn’t expect to love Pesäpallo, Finland’s quirky version of baseball—but we were hooked. It was fast, fun, and easy to follow even without knowing the rules. Bonus: we showed up post-blood-sausage and post-nap. Peak afternoon.
Jaffy the Orange Cat & a wood-fired Hot Tub
Our final nights were spent with Finnish friends along the Baltic Sea, where we were welcomed with schnapps, smoked fish, and a ton of other good food and drinks.. A lovely orange cat named Jaffy followed us everywhere (except the dock—seagull trauma). The lakeside hot tub sealed it.
Logistics & Practical Information
Accommodation
- Helsinki: Scandic Grand Central Hotel: A modern hotel in the city center with its own sauna and sensory shower (rainstorm mode included). We really enjoyed staying here
- Island Life: Rustic off-grid cabins hosted by generous Finnish friends. Sauna is a must.
Transportation
- In Helsinki: Train from the airport to central Helsinki, plus trams within the city.
- Rental Car: Used to explore beyond Helsinki, including the drive to the different Island marina areas.
Notable Food
- Sushi Buffets: Haru Plus Sushi (Helsinki) – discovered via the internet, and worth the hype. Unlimited sushi (mainly salmon-heavy) for ~$17 per person.
- Blood Sausage in Tampere: Tapola Laukontori – surprisingly tasty with lingonberry jam.
Activities
- Helsinki:
- Visited the National Library of Finland and the Old Market Hall
- Took in the city’s calm, clean vibe
- Sweated it out at Löyly sauna and jumped into the Baltic Sea
- On the Islands:
- Daily sauna sessions (smoke and traditional)
- Swimming in the lake
- Fishing for dinner
- Playing board games (Codenames, Sequence) and watching the sunset
- Tampere Day Trip:
- Tried blood sausage
- Watched a Pesäpallo (Finnish baseball) game—a surprising hit
Lessons (Re)Learned
- Never underestimate the power of sauna + cold plunge: Whether it was the icy Baltic Sea or the serene lake beside the sauna, the contrast left us feeling renewed every time.
- Finland loves its sushi: We didn’t expect to rave about sushi buffets, but they were affordable, fresh, and surprisingly abundant.
- Island time works differently: Even when we “did nothing,” the days flew by. Fishing, swimming, reading, eating—all deeply fulfilling.
- Kindness goes a long way: Our hosts, both old friends and new ones, modeled generosity and thoughtfulness in ways that made us feel cared for. It reminded us to carry that forward.
Reflections & Final Thoughts
Finland wasn’t flashy, but it didn’t need to be. Its magic came in slow rituals: sharing strawberries, sweating in wooden rooms, jumping into shockingly cold water, and enjoying long meals without hurry. We left feeling lighter—both in luggage (thanks, lost suitcase) and in spirit.
Katie said it best: “I think they just find more joy in what’s around them. Less noise. More meaning.”
Expedition Hamilton 
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